Angara backs death penalty for ‘very heinous crimes’

Sen. Sonny Angara (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the issue on the release of persons convicted of heinous crimes under the good conduct time allowance (GCTA), should death penalty be reinstated?

Only for “very heinous crimes,” said Senator Sonny Angara on Thursday.

“I think maybe for really very very heinous crimes. Let’s limit its application. Not like in 1993 where it was applicable to carnapping and things like that, crimes against property,” Angara said in an interview over ANC when asked if he is in favor of restoring capital punishment.

Asked if the controversy could serve as a momentum for the reinstatement of death penalty for heinous crimes, Angara said: “Ganito yan, if in favor ka ng death penalty, it will harden your being in favor. But if you’re against it, I don’t think it will sway you to be in favor.”

Angara made the statement in view of issues surrounding the GCTA law that allowed for the release of nearly 2,000 persons convicted of heinous crimes.

The issue broke out and caused public outrage after convicted rapist and murderer Antonio Sanchez was reported to be up for early release.

During the Senate hearing on the proposed revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa lost his cool when one of the resource speakers brought up his comment regarding giving Sanchez a “second chance.”

Dela Rosa said that if it were up to him, Sanchez should have been long gone with the death penalty in place.

“Did you know, ako mismo gusto kong bitayin yang Sanchez na yan? I am for death penalty! Kung may death penalty noon dapat nabitay na yang Sanchez na yan,” Dela Rosa said. /jpv

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